Sitting on a high structure is precarious for an individual, because there is the ever-present danger of ‘falling off’. In such a situation, the practitioner responds by ‘gripping’ ever more tightly to the structure, and will not let go. This is an ‘attachment’ to a lesser state of attainment, an attachment which prevents further progression into the true realms of Ch’an enlightenment.
Category: Buddhism
Exploring the philosophy (and practice) of Early and Later Buddhism.
Breaking Through at the Point of Contact
All legitimate Chinese Ch’an practitioners access the empty mind ground from varying socio-economic conditions that boil down to two distinct positions in life; either that
Master Xu Yun: The Importance of Being a Lay-Buddhist
Having established these facts, it is important to understand that a realised monastic is not limited to his or her social role, and that realised members of lay society are equally not limited to their role. There exists enlightened freedom that functions through specific social roles, but which remains completely ‘free’ of any limitations as defined by those roles.
What Are the Health Implications of Buddhist Vegetarianism?
Ancient Chinese Buddhist and Daoist vegetarian practises given credence through modern scientific research carried-out in both China and the West.
Meditation Posture (Vajrasana)
Simple preparation on sand for the full ‘lotus’ position, also referred to within Chinese Buddhist (and Daoist) traditions as the ‘Vajrasana’ (金剛座 – Jin Gang
Distorted Zen – By Thomas Cleary
There are many differences between Chinese Ch’an and Japanese Zen – here the esteemed translator Thomas Cleary – focuses on the misunderstanding regarding ‘breathing’ as applied within the Japanese Zen schools, and how this deviates from Chinese Ch’an and Chinese Daoism.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 